More than aesthetics, interior design communicates with our emotions, habits, and sensations.Neuroarchitecture teaches us that each style triggers different responses in the body and mind some calm us, others energise us, and some make us feel grounded, creative, or inspired.
In this blog, I’ll explore five design styles that reflect both the trends and emotional states of our time and what each of them reveals about us.
1. Wasabi Style: The Courage of Contrast.
🗓️ Origin: Emerged in Japan around 2020 and gained popularity in the West by 2022 as a bold evolution of minimalism.
📐 Lines: Organic and fluid, with simple and balanced compositions.Inspired by the mix between tradition and vibrancy, Wasabi Style blends smooth lines, bold colours, and contrasting textures. From a neurodesign perspective, this style stimulates the senses in a balanced way: colour activates curiosity and creativity, while organic forms and natural materials promote calm and lightness.
👉 It awakens without agitating deal for creative minds seeking both focus and serenity.
🧬 Main hormones:Encourages the release of dopamine (linked to motivation and creative pleasure) and serotonin (linked to calm and balance). The result is an environment that feels both energising and peaceful a subtle harmony between movement and stillness.
Tip: Combine contrasting colours with neutral bases and natural textures. The secret lies in balancing stimulation and visual rest.
2. Dopamine Design: Joy You Can See and Feel.
🗓️Origin: Became popular in 2021, following the pandemic, as an emotional response to monotony and excessive minimalism.
📐 Lines: Rounded and playful, often inspired by the design of the 1970s. More than a trend, Dopamine Design is a mood. Vibrant colours, curved furniture, and sentimental objects stimulate the release of dopamine the neurotransmitter responsible for joy, pleasure, and motivation.
👉 It’s the design of self-expression and everyday happiness
🧬 Main hormone: Stimulates dopamine, which enhances feelings of pleasure, reward, and enthusiasm. In the right dose, it creates uplifting, energising spaces; when overdone, it can lead to visual fatigue balance is key.
Tip: Use colours that spark good memories and create “joy corners” a colourful wall, a playful chair, or a display of personal treasures.
3. Industrial Style: Strength, Presence and Authenticity
🗓️ Origin: Rooted in the Industrial Revolution in England (18th–19th centuries) and shaped into an interior style after World War II, when old factories were transformed into lofts and studios.
📐 Lines: Straight, structural, and angular symbolising order, stability, and functionality. The Industrial Style celebrates exposed structures and raw materials metal, concrete, wood, and brick.In neuroarchitecture, these elements evoke control and focus, but when overused, they can trigger sensory overload.
👉 It’s the style of authenticity, resilience, and productivity perfect for those who value clarity and purpose.
🧬 Main hormones: Encourages noradrenaline production, linked to attention and mental energy.When balanced, it sharpens focus; when too cold or harsh, it can increase cortisol (the stress hormone).
Tip: Soften the space with natural fabrics, warm lighting, and greenery to balance the rational with the emotional.
4. Classic Style: Emotional Safety and Harmony
🗓️ Origin: 17th–18th centuries, inspired by Greco-Roman architecture and European palaces.
📐 Lines: Symmetrical, elegant curves with harmonious proportions. The Classic Style reflects order, balance, and timelessness. According to neurodesign, symmetry gives the brain a sense of predictability and control, reducing stress and promoting emotional stability.
👉 It’s the style of comfort, elegance, and serenity.
🧬 Main hormone: Boosts serotonin, responsible for calmness and emotional balance.Its structured harmony creates a stabilising effect on the nervous system.
Tip: Blend traditional pieces with contemporary elements to keep the space timeless yet light.
5. Jungle Style: Nature as Therapy
🗓️ Origin: Became popular in 2015 with the rise of the Urban Jungle and biophilic design movements.
📐 Lines: Organic, irregular, and inspired by living natural forms.Jungle Style celebrates life and reconnection with nature.Plants, natural textures, and filtered light create restorative spaces that lower anxiety and boost vitality.
👉 From a neurodesign perspective, visual contact with greenery activates areas of the brain linked to calmness and mood regulation.
🧬 Main hormones: Encourages the release of serotonin and endorphins, associated with relaxation and natural pleasure.The result is a sensory “reset” a gentle pause within daily life.
Tip: Layer plants at different heights, use soft lighting, and include materials like bamboo, straw, and linen.
The Studio 14 Style: Where Design Meets Care.
At Studio 14, we don’t follow a single design style. Our focus is on applying the principles of design and neuroarchitecture to promote wellbeing, functionality, and emotional balance in every home.
Each project begins with people their routines, emotions, and what truly matters to them.
Our goal is not only to create spaces that work, but spaces that heal, calm, and inspire.
Our style is care expressed through aesthetics, purpose, and soul.
Would you like to discover which design style truly reflects you? Take a moment to explore your home personality with a free style assessment created to help you understand how your space can support your wellbeing and lifestyle.
👉 Click Home Styling Consultation to start your free assessment.
A gentle step towards creating a home that feels like you calm, balanced, and alive.
All images are from Pinterest, except the Studio 14 Styling Project
